Military heroes will be celebrated at the eighth annual Armed Forces Day parade in Workington next weekend.

A procession will march through town on Saturday, June 24 towards Vulcan Park for a drumhead service before heading off to the Royal British Legion Club in the afternoon as Armed Forces Day is marked across the country.

The North Tyneside Pipe Band, military personnel, Workington Royal British Legion members, veterans, members of the sea and air cadets, Workington MP Sue Hayman and the Riders Association of the Royal British Legion will all be in the parade.

Lesley Jackson, who organises the event with her friend Pat Lavin, said: “Everybody wants to recognise our armed forces and even though we’re not at war, it’s important to remember the lads and lasses who are there serving our country for us.

“They’re all over the world still; my son came back from the Falklands at Christmas and his regiment has been out to Africa.

“Although we do raise a glass to our absent friends and colleagues, it’s a celebration of the armed forces and what they do.”

Participants will meet outside Sports Direct at 10.45am before heading to Vulcan Park via Finkle Street. The procession will then head towards the British Legion Club on Jane Street via Oxford Street. The following streets will be shut for about 10 minutes while the parade passes through: Finkle Street from 10.50am, Vulcan’s Lane from 11am, Oxford Street from 11.10am and Jane Street from 11.40am.

There will be free entertainment and food will be provided at the Royal British Legion Club.

Allerdale mayor Mary Bainbridge, will lead a flag-raising ceremony on Monday at 10.30am at Allerdale House.